The first time I saw Dom DeLuise on the set of Cannonball Run II, he was wearing a nun’s habit. It was 116 degrees out and there he was in a nun’s habit. When I first got there, I couldn’t believe that I was meeting all of these people who I’d gone to see in the theater as a little girl: Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, and Shirley MacLaine, who was my idol. But there was something about Dom — even surrounded by all of those famous stars — he managed to be the center of attention because he just was so damn funny. He had that kind of Robin Williams, non-stop crazy brain that would try anything if he thought it would get a laugh. He’d grab you and twirl you and hump you and pick you up.
The script for Cannonball was pretty much thrown out the first day. There’d be a couple of lines here and there that you’d use, but then you’d just ad-lib and riff. The movie isn’t nearly as good as the experience was. Just trying to keep up with Burt Reynolds and those guys was insane. The best part was watching the dailies every night. It was like watching home movies. And the star of the show was always Dom. You never knew what he’s come up with next. Every take was different. And Burt would constantly be spitting out his drink because Dom was so funny.
I loved the relationship between Burt and Dom because you could see they were so yin and yang. Burt was so cool and easy and laid back, and Dom is just a ball of crazy kinetic energy that just doesn’t stop. They were each other’s complements. Because you don’t get smoother than Burt Reynolds, especially during the Cannonball Run period, and you don’t get wilder than Dom DeLuise.
I think what I’ll remember most about Dom is his laugh. That rolling, rolling laugh. It starts with a big burst of energy and then this girlish squeal comes pouring out. His laugh was aerobic. It pulsated his entire body. When you met him you knew he was someone who totally enjoyed life. He would envelope you and hug you and you’d be squished, but you didn’t mind because it was Dom. He loved to talk about food, clothes, dancing, opera, philosophy, and, of course, his family. His wife Carol was always there to wipe his brow because Dom was always sweating. He was a sweetheart and he just loved those boys of his. I think that’s why he could tether out to such insanity — because he had such a strong base with his family at home.
I really wish I was talking about Dom under happier circumstances. I feel bad for people out there who were too young to experience Dom. Thank God for YouTube. All these younger kids come up to me all of the time and ask what Andy Kaufman was like because of Taxi. Now people can pull up clips of Dom being Dom and he’ll have a following forever. That makes me happy. (As told to Chris Nashawaty)
More Dom DeLuise:
Dom DeLuise dies at 75
Ken Tucker on Dom DeLuise: Rest in peace, roly-poly bringer of joy
Marilu is such a class act. This was a lovely tribute.
Marilu’s comments on Dom’s laugh are so right on. Still one of the funniest scenes in a movie is Dom’s character getting high with Jerry Reed in Hot Stuff and just laughing non-stop. Great stuff.
Trying really hard not to cry right now. Trying really hard.
One of my favorite movies (for real) is Robin Hood: Men In Tights. Dom had a brief role as Don Giovanni, and he nailed it (cottonballs in the cheeks and everything). I’m sad to hear of his passing, and thanks to Marilu for sharing her memories.
I loved Men in Tights! I also remember him in a spoof of The Godfather. I forget the name of it, but it also starred the “sweater-vest” guy from Seinfeld.
http://tvdonewright.com/2009-2010-season-preview/
Aww one of my favorite funny men has finally passed on, I loved him in Men in Tights and Spaceballs. Today’s a sad day.
My favorite Dom role is Jeremy the crow in The Secret of NIMH. I loved his sweet, goofy voice. Bless you, Mr. Deluise.
It is really sad to lose such a great actor but it was a life lived well am glad he got to 74 before he croaked it.
Yes what a shame. I think back to a great bit on the Odd Couple where Felix is trying to convince Oscar that he’s the perfect matchmaker and know the perfect person for everyone
Felix: “Name me a girl and I’ll give you a guy”
Oscar: “Jane Fonda”
Felix: “Dom Deluise”
His role in Fatso was very memorable to me.
Dom was so FUNNY in Blazing Saddles!! You Sissy Marys!:) Rest in peace Dom.
POOR DOM HELL’ NEVER EAT APEATS AGAIN!
Dom was the best. I remember first seeing on the Dean Martin Show as Dominic the Great. He will surely be missed!
I’m 45 now and have a lot of great memories of Dom makin’ Burt laugh his a** off and so many others , he showed me that ya have to laugh to get through life and not to take it too serious I’ll miss him.
To his family , my dad told me “don’t cry too long remember me and smile.” It’s a hell of a hole now–remember and smile. peace.
One of the great ones. Always made me laugh my a*s off. I really appreciate Ms. Henner’s comments. She was right on about Dom and Burt. They just slayed me back in the day (the 70′s)! Rest in Peace, Big Guy and thanks for all the comedic memories. I’m truly sad. May your family be Blessed.